smh.com.au
Orbital": A Novel Perspective on Space and International Cooperation
Samantha Harvey's Booker Prize-winning novel, "Orbital," offers a unique perspective on the International Space Station, focusing on the Earth's beauty as seen from orbit and the international cooperation that made the station possible, contrasting with typical astronaut memoirs.
- How does Harvey's writing style and focus contrast with typical astronaut memoirs?
- Harvey's "Orbital" shifts the focus from typical astronaut accounts, emphasizing the Earth's beauty from the ISS perspective and the international collaboration that built the station. Her unique approach contrasts with the personal stories typically found in such accounts, offering a broader, more panoramic view. This contrasts with typical astronaut memoirs.
- What unique perspective does Samantha Harvey's "Orbital" offer on the experience of space?
- Samantha Harvey, author of the Booker Prize-winning novel "Orbital," has never been to space but has written a book set on the International Space Station. Her novel uniquely focuses on the experience of the Earth as seen from space, conveying the 'sheer exhilaration' of observing the planet's sunrise from orbit. This perspective contrasts with typical astronaut memoirs that emphasize personal narratives, focusing instead on the beauty of Earth.
- What broader implications or interpretations of the book arise from its unique narrative structure and focus on the Earth's beauty?
- The book can be interpreted as a eulogy for the era of international cooperation that enabled the ISS. Harvey's unique approach reflects the changing nature of space exploration and the shift in focus toward the universal experience of Earth. The unique narrative structure encodes the astronauts' experience of time and space, offering a fresh perspective.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing of the article centers around Samantha Harvey's creative process and her unique perspective on writing Orbital. While details about the book are included, the emphasis is on Harvey's journey and choices as an author, shaping the narrative around her personal experience and reflections. This focus may unintentionally downplay the significance of the space station itself and the scientific context surrounding it, despite its relevance to the novel's subject matter.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and descriptive. There aren't any overtly loaded terms or biased adjectives used to describe Harvey or her work. The article maintains an objective tone when presenting her perspective.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Samantha Harvey's personal experience and perspective on writing the novel, and while it mentions the astronauts' experiences, it doesn't delve into their individual backgrounds or motivations in much detail. This omission could leave the reader with an incomplete understanding of the context surrounding the book's creation and the astronauts' lives. However, given the author's stated intent to focus on the broader experience of life on the ISS and the overall atmosphere rather than individual astronaut stories, this omission is arguably intentional, not biased.
Sustainable Development Goals
The novel indirectly addresses Sustainable Cities and Communities by highlighting the importance of international cooperation in achieving complex, large-scale projects like the International Space Station. The eventual decommissioning of the ISS prompts reflection on the sustainability of such endeavors and the need for collaborative, long-term planning for future space exploration. The author's focus on the beauty of Earth as seen from space also subtly promotes appreciation for our planet and the importance of its sustainability.